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Studies Could Ease Fears of Medicines for ADHD
Dec 13, 2011
Studies Could Ease Fears of Medicines for ADHD
Researchers found little evidence of increased risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death, or stroke associated with use of medications used primarily to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Their population-based study included more than 150,000 adults aged 25 to 64 years who used ADHD medications.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Agency for Health Research Quality. It is the largest — and among the first — to examine the cardiovascular safety of ADHD medications in adults.
Study drugs included stimulant medications (methylphenidate, dextroamphetamines, amphetamine salts, and pemoline) and the nonstimulant atomoxetine.
The cardiovascular safety of ADHD medications has been a concern because stimulants and atomoxetine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate by a small amount in both children and adults. Although one previous study among children suggested markedly elevated risks of sudden cardiac death, results from a small number of studies have been inconsistent.
“It’s important to note that this is an observational study and not a randomized clinical trial,” said Laurel Habel, PhD, a research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research and the lead author of the study.
“Consequently, we can’t rule out the possibility of a slight or modest increase in risk, and patients should discuss use of the drugs with their physician and be closely monitored,” added coauthor Alan Go, MD, acting director of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.
Habel also noted that most of the drug use in their study population was relatively short term (less than a year) and results may not apply to longer-term use. Researchers also explained that the results may not apply to adults 65 and older, since this group was not studied.
For more information, visit the Division of Research's site.